How Often Should I Get Checked for Skin Cancer?

How Often Should I Get Checked for Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is extremely common. More people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. That’s why it’s so important to get checked for skin cancer. Early detection is second only to prevention when it comes to survival rates.

Getting checked regularly is important for everyone, but particularly those with high risks of skin cancer. People with fair skin, who tend to have a hard time tanning and burn easily, and are Caucasian with blue eyes, light hair, and freckles have the highest risk.

Skin cancer risk is based on other risk factors, the largest of which is a history of skin cancer either yourself or in your family. Other risk factors include histories of severe sunburn and using tanning beds.

People should be checked annually for skin cancer, particularly those at risk. However, you should be performing your own checks several times a year. Patients themselves detect half of all skin cancer cases. see a dermatologist if you notice any asymmetry (A), changes in border (B), changes in color (C), changes in diameter (D), or any evolving moles (E).

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should be applying sunscreen every two hours or every time after swimming or sweating. This can help protect your skin from skin cancer.